Search

Click Here to see previous Fax Alerts

November 12, 1999

EPA's TMDL Proposal Cost Estimate Disclosed
This week AMSA received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) estimates of the “incremental” costs of its recent proposals to change the total maximum daily load (TMDL) program. An initial review of the estimates suggests that EPA may be underestimating the costs associated with the proposed changes to the TMDL program. In two draft reports, which were completed last year, but have not yet been released, the agency estimates the costs of the proposed changes to permit holders and state programs. According to one draft — Analysis of the Incremental Cost of Proposed Revisions to the NPDES Permit and Water Quality Standards Proposed Rules — changes to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and water quality standards to accommodate the TMDL program revisions would cost permit holders between $17.2 - $65.5 million per year in “incremental” costs. The analysis says that most of these costs would come in the form of pollution offsets — whic

Superfund Reform Unlikely for 106th Congress
Despite the considerable efforts of House Water Resources & Environment Subcommittee Chair Rep. Sherwood Boehlert (R-N.Y.) to pass bipartisan Superfund reform legislation, it is extremely unlikely that H.R. 1300 will reach a floor vote during the 106th Congress. Although the prospects for the bill looked favorable, a last minute decision by the Republican leadership has killed hopes for H.R. 1300. The failure of the bill, however, does not preclude AMSA from gaining liability protections for POTWs through other legislative avenues. AMSA will continue to work with House and Senate committee staff to ensure that POTWs interests are represented in any future Superfund measures.

AMSA Sponsors New England POTW Caucus . . .
Providing a forum to discuss priority issues for POTWs in the Northeast, AMSA agencies and non-menber agencies met this week in Lowell, Mass. Participants discussed local and national priorities and regulatory issues such as wastewater infrastructure funding, TMDLs, wet weather and watershed management. The Northeastern caucus provided an opportunity for participants to share information of both local and national interest to POTWs. Due to the success of the meeting, AMSA is planning future caucuses in other regions.

AMSA Urges Broad Response to EPA Pretreatment Proposal . . .
The deadline for comments on EPA's July 22 pretreatment streamlining proposal is Friday, Nov. 19, 1999. Member agencies are encouraged to base their comments on the AMSA/Water Environment Foundation pretreatment streamlining white paper, which was distributed to the membership via RA 99-22. To aid the National Office in tracking the response, please fill out the “fax back page” provided with RA 99-22 and fax it to the attention of Robin Davis at 202/833-4657. AMSA members are also encouraged to share the white paper with their significant industrial users for use in industry comments on the proposal.

AMSA's E-Mail Service to be Restored Late Next Week . . .
The National Office apologizes for the continuing disruption in e-mail service. We expect e-mail to resume late next week. Thank you for your patience and understanding.